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Thursday, December 27, 2012

We're 'tween holidays...recuperating from Christmas and getting ready to ring in the new year. Our busy schedules rely on our ability to combine tasks, errands, etc. to help us accomplish all we want to do. This pretty card covers lots of things I want to do and share, so let's get started.

You know how I love my Silhouette Cameo, Fresh Squeezed Stamps clear stamps, and CutCardStock.com's dreamy card stock, especially their Stardream Metallics for the holidays. I began this project by downloading and printing onto Neenah Classic Crest in Solar White card stock the FREE digital image of the birdhouse from Fresh Squeezed Stamps. It's part of their Squeeze-A-Palooza Challenge for December, so why don't you play along?

Next, I punched out the image with a large circle punch and then took out some very basic Copic markers and gave the main image a little color.

Then I added some dimension and snow to the roof with Liquid Applique and a heat tool.

To define the edges of the circle, I used a sponge dauber and some Distress Ink in Tumbled Glass, just lightly "bumping" the inked sponge onto the edge of the paper. When the ink became lighter, I gently wiped the sponge along the surface to add a little more "twilight" color.

The pretty frame was sized to fit my 5.5" square card base made from Jupiter colored Stardeam Metallic card stock, and then cut out on my Cameo. To add some real pizzaz to the frame, and the card for that matter, I ran the frame through my Xyron to add adhesive to one side. Then I sprinkled the side with the adhesive with lots of sparkly glitter.

As a finishing touch I added three teeny tiny red rhinestones under the sentiment "home for the holidays". I love all the techniques on this card that give it a very special feel. I hope you'll give Fresh Squeezed Stamps' Squeeze-A-Palooza's Challenge a try -- and enjoy the last beautiful days of 2012!

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Wrapping presents is one of my favorite parts of the holidays! Each year, I love to make folded gift tags using my Christmas card scraps!

For these cards, I used a Basis Light Brown cardstock for the base. I cut the cardstock into three 6 x 3 pieces, and used those to create 3x3 cards.

Next, I used some scraps I had in several Basis colors (magenta, teal, green, Dark Red, Red, Natural, and Light Lime. )

I cut some scraps into 3" x 1/4" or 1/8" strips. I also punched out polka dots using a 5/8" and a 1/4" hole punch.

I like to place polka dots off the edge of the card, and then trim them to create the look of patterned paper.

Finally, I used some scrap 3" long pieces of ribbon to create stripes on some cards. I had some leftover bling, and I used some of that, too. These are really very easy to make, and when you use scraps, you're actually helping clear out some craft clutter, too. :)

Monday, December 17, 2012

I've seen these gorgeous balls out and about while I'm shopping and I think to myself, "I can do something like that." I finally thought of it while I was at the craft store and purchased several smooth foam balls.

I dove into my supply of gorgeous Cut Card Stock Metallics (On sale this month). I wanted to start with something classic: red. I chose the text weight of Mars for ease of use. See how it struts its stuff on the green hedge and below, in the house.

Instructions
1. Airbrush the white smooth foam ball with R39 Sketch marker and airbrush system. I used a wooden skewer to make the ball easier to handle.

2. Punch an entire sheet of Stardream Metallics Mars text weight paper. By using the punch upside down, it is easier to place the punch and get the most out of a sheet. Punch around the edges, trim around and punch again until the entire sheet is complete.

3. Using a sequin pin, add a gold seed bead and a daisy onto the foam ball. Continue adding, starting at the bottom and spiraling towards the top.

After one sheet of paper, I got what you see below. I used another half sheet to complete it.

4. Leave a small open place near the top to add the hanging ribbon.
5. Cut 12-18 inches of ribbon and tie a knot at the bottom leaving a 3 inch tail. Add a large brad to adhere embellishments. I ended up adding a gold and red bow and a copper charm.

Friday, December 14, 2012

It seems like lately every where I look I am inspired by all the natural wood-grain decor, weddings I see. So it was no wonder I decided to create a template that would mimic the beautiful woodsy look ....this
amazing faux wood-grained template can be printed over any of the gorgeous cardstock here at Cut Card Stock. Talk about possibilities! With an adorable
hand drawn type, a vintage heart, faux
“carved” into the paper, it feels just right for a heartfelt affair.

The downloadable template will allow you to print either a transparency wood-grain (so that you can see the gorgeous card stock color of your choice) or a solid natural color background with the wood-grain. The file is compatible with Photoshop or Elements.

The template will allow you to print 2 - 5"x7" Invites on an 8.5" x 11" card stock or you can print on an individual 5" x 7" invite.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

On the 12th Day of Christmas, CutCardStock shared with me: Free Digital Tags to download and print!In the spirit of giving, we have these cute tags for you to download, print and use on your holiday packages.Just head over to CutCardStock.com, add them to your cart, stock up on Stardream Metallics while they're on sale and wrap up those special gifts under your tree.

Monday, December 10, 2012

On the 10th Day of Christmas, CutCardStock shared with me: A tag that's perfect to tie on a gift, the handles of a gift bag or onto a bottle of wine -- in not so traditional, but still festive colors of the season!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

On the 4th Day of Christmas, CutCardStock shared with me: A cute Popcorn-themed gift card holder made by Michelle!

Hello, CutCardStock fans. With
Christmas coming up, I wanted to design something practical that I could
make in bulk to give out. One thing I like to give are movie tickets or
theater gift cards. What better way to package it than in a cute
popcorn gift card holder? If you have another present (like a DVD), you
can also add an eyelet to the top, tie some twine and turn it into the
accompanying gift tag.

I drew the image on my iPad and imported it into Silhouette Design
Studio. The gift card holder is one piece and the popcorn and banner can
be popped on with foam adhesive for dimension or adhered flat. All the
pieces fit perfectly on one sheet of 8.5 x 11" Basis White 80lb cardstock. As my gift to you, you can download this Studio file for your personal use. It will only open if you have the corresponding software. This is a print and cut file, meaning you'd print out the image on
your printer first before running it through your Cameo. It will be
perforated on the fold lines, so most of the work has been done, and
there is no coloring involved.

After you assemble the pieces,
you can add your own finishing touches. I mounted the banner on some
Basic Black 80lb cardstock to give it a more distinct outline. I added
some jewels and stars on the banner to give it a marquee feel. I added
some Liquid Appliqué on the popcorn kernels to give it that fluffy
popcorn texture.